When friend complains that boss hates him because she's so smart: how to respond?

No, there's nothing *you* can say that can help him. Oftentimes, people who say things like that actually believe themselves.

There are lots of personality disorders which include symptoms of narcassism or poor decision making or rationalization skills.

Also, if he happens to use (or abuse) drugs or alcohol, it is *classic* behavior to blame others for absolutely everything that goes on in their lives. Once in a while you'll meet someone like that, you might recognize someone you know. That's when you start with *drinking,* but it could be any number of things.

Are you sure the degrees he's mentioned (or shown) you are real? A lot of times, people try to cover up gaps in their background by making up excuses and alibis.

Whatever the situation is, it's nothing you can fix for or with him. I would suggest he make an appointment with a job coach or counselor or, if you are close enough to him, suggest a mental health therapist or counselor.

If he's arrogant and/or misguided in his "theory," they'll be able to help him.

One note, though. Don't discount the possibility that he's telling the truth. Many (ok, not many) people of superior intelligence are socially inept, which hinders them from working or keeping a job.

You have seen (reference The Big Bang Theory on TV) people who, like Sheldon, would be absolutely correct in making a statement that he believed he lost a job because he was so smart.

One of his quotes was, "I would have to lose 60 IQ points to be classified as smart."

Another one is, "I'm not crazy. My Mother had me tested."

Don't deduce they are idiotic until you can disprove them, you know?

Maybe your friend has the expectation of himself to be the 'superstar' and when that does not happen, he turns that frustration outwards. Important to remember, what we project out into the world comes back to us so if your friend walks into a workplace expecting himself to shine and be the star, that is going to be returned and he will end up miserable or laying blame on someone else. Your friend needs to allow himself to relax when approaching a job application/interview, without putting too much focus on his degrees as this will inevitably be brought up during the recruitment process. Your friend can acknowledge his achievements but ultimately it comes down to goodness of fit, and how the company resonates with him.

He is a leader and needs find jobs as a leader. Not a follower. Tell I'm to put his abilities to work. He can become a teacher, or whatever there are plenty of jobs that would put his abilities to work.

Tell him "If you know so much start your own business. That way you will not have a boss to hate you."

He seems a bit arrogant which is probably the reason he keeps getting let go.

Just keep going and smile

nod and smile. this guy has his mind made up.

i wouldnt say anything, it might be better that way

Lol no